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Animal Trainer Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dancing Horses Theatre

Exotic Animal Intern

Delavan, WI · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Exotic Animal Intern - PAID Animal Gardens Petting Zoo is seeking animal (PAID) internships ... The internship provides hands-on training, feeding, and caring for mini-pigs, monkeys, raccoons ...

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Animal Trainer Intern information

What tasks and responsibilities can I expect as an animal trainer intern?

As an Animal Trainer Intern, you will typically assist with daily animal care routines such as feeding, cleaning habitats, and monitoring animal health. You'll also observe and participate in training sessions, helping to reinforce desired behaviors using positive reinforcement. Interns often help prepare training materials, document animal progress, and may interact with visitors or clients under supervision. This hands-on role provides exposure to both the behavioral and logistical aspects of animal training, and you’ll work closely with experienced trainers and other animal care staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal trainer intern?

To thrive as an Animal Trainer Intern, you need a basic understanding of animal behavior, patience, and a genuine interest in animal care, often supported by coursework in animal science or biology. Familiarity with training tools, safety equipment, and observation or record-keeping systems is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and teamwork are important soft skills to effectively support trainers and ensure animal welfare. These skills are crucial for creating a safe, positive learning environment for both animals and handlers while contributing to successful training outcomes.

What is the difference between Animal Trainer Intern vs Animal Trainer?

AspectAnimal Trainer InternAnimal Trainer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some experience or coursework in animal behaviorRelevant certifications (e.g., CPDT-KA), experience in animal training
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in zoos, aquariums, or training facilitiesFull-time employment in similar environments with more responsibilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with training tasks, observing trainers, gaining experienceDesigning and implementing training programs, managing animals independently

In summary, an Animal Trainer Intern is a learning role focused on gaining experience and assisting trainers, while an Animal Trainer is a full-fledged professional responsible for training animals independently. Interns typically have fewer credentials and responsibilities compared to full trainers.

What is an animal trainer intern?

Animal Trainer Interns are individuals who assist professional animal trainers in caring for and training animals, often as part of a structured internship program. Their responsibilities may include feeding, cleaning, observing animal behavior, assisting with training sessions, and maintaining records. Interns gain hands-on experience working with animals in settings such as zoos, aquariums, shelters, or entertainment venues. This role is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in animal care, behavior, or training, and provides valuable learning and networking opportunities.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Trainer jobs? The most popular types of Animal Trainer jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Trainer Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Trainer Intern jobs include:
Animal Trainer Intern jobs near you

2026 Fall Ambassador Animal Intern - OKC Zoo

Oklahoma City Zoo

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago

Oklahoma City Zoo rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description


This internship is designed to be an entry point for someone who is seeking a career working in the field of Ambassador Animal programs. Interns will receive training and experience in the day-to-day management of ambassador animal programs by working alongside staff to assist with animal care, animal training, enrichment and welfare data collection. Interns will also gain training on guest education and public interaction to enhance visitor experience.
Employment Status: Part-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Duration: 12 weeks - Starting on September 5th 2026
Schedule: Fall 2026 - 20hrs a week
Compensation: 14.00 per hour
Department: Conservation, Education and Science
Direct Supervisor: Rachel Sides - Behavioral Husbandry Coordinator
Primary Work Location: Zoo setting both indoors and outdoors
Certification: Completion of assigned OKC Zoo HSI training in the first 2 weeks of employment.
Other: This position is safety sensitive. It is subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug testing. This position works around animals susceptible to specific respiratory diseases, thus is subject to annual tuberculosis testing.
Internship Summary: This internship is designed to be an entry point for someone who is seeking a career working in the field of Ambassador Animal programs. Interns will receive training and experience in the day-to-day management of ambassador animal programs by working alongside staff to assist with animal care, animal training, enrichment and welfare data collection. Interns will also gain training on guest education and public interaction to enhance visitor experience.
Development Outcomes
An intern in this position will complete assigned tasks resulting in the following learning outcomes
  • Intern will develop an understanding of the essential role that zoos and aquariums play in conservation
  • Interns will develop a thorough understanding of safety procedures necessary for working with animal collections in a Zoo
  • Intern will learn the basics of guest interaction in a zoo or aquarium setting including how to convey educational information and effectively communicate conservation efforts
  • Intern will learn how to prepare and maintain animal records and reports
  • Intern will learn basic animal care and husbandry techniques
  • Intern will assist in the use of technology to conduct animal observations and collect data
  • Intern will assist with enrichment initiatives as assigned
  • Intern will understand basic operant conditioning principles related to behavioral training of Ambassador Animals

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Commitment of schedule
  • Current college or graduate student pursuing an applicable degree, recent graduate of an applicable degree, or relevant education with interest in transitioning into an applicable career
  • Interest in pursuing career in animal care
  • Have the ability to work well in a busy and fast paced environment
  • Provide own housing and transportation
  • Basic understanding of computer operation and camera usage.

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